3 benefits of spirulina for weight loss

What is spirulina, and why is there so much interest in it?

Spirulina (Spirulina Arthrospira platensis) is a freshwater cyanobacterium considered to be one of the oldest microorganisms on Earth.

A major source of nutrients, this microscopic algae is now considered a ‘superfood’.

Spirulina is particularly rich in plant proteins, phycocyanin (an antioxidant pigment), vitamins (A, B, E, K, etc.), iron, zinc, magnesium and beta-carotene.

Thanks to its composition, spirulina helps to:

• boost vitality, tone and energy
• combat oxidative stress and strengthen the body's natural defences (1)
• help control body weight and reduce feelings of hunger (2)

And these properties make spirulina a good support for weight loss and slimming.

The 3 benefits of spirulina for weight loss

Thanks to its satiety-enhancing effect, its complete nutritional profile and its support for the metabolism, spirulina is a particularly valuable superfood in a weight-loss programme.

1. A satiating effect thanks to its high protein content

Containing between 60 and 70% plant proteins, spirulina is one of the foods with the highest concentration of essential amino acids.

Protein is not just used to build and maintain muscle mass: it also plays a role in regulating satiety.

Studies have shown that adequate protein intake can help reduce appetite, in particular by influencing the secretion of certain hormones such as ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and peptide YY (the satiety hormone) (3-4).

So taking spirulina before a meal or as a snack can help reduce cravings and the urge to snack, while helping to maintain a moderate calorie intake.

2. A low-calorie nutritional concentrate

Spirulina's other major advantage is its high nutritional density, but very low calorie content (less than 300 kcal/100g).

A daily dose of 3 to 5 g provides:

• highly bio-available iron (invaluable in the case of vegetarian diets or fatigue)
• B-group vitamins essential for energy metabolism
• minerals and natural antioxidants (such as phycocyanin), which support cells against oxidative stress

Spirulina makes it easy to meet your nutritional needs, without increasing your calorie intake: an ideal benefit as part of a weight-loss programme, where the risk of deficiencies is higher.

3. Support for metabolism and energy

Weight loss is often accompanied by a loss of energy, especially when you're on a low-calorie diet or under stress.

This is where spirulina comes in, as it is known to boost energy and vitality thanks to:

• numerous vitamins involved in energy metabolism
• iron, which is involved in the normal transport of oxygen in the body and helps to reduce fatigue and exhaustion

Spirulina's flagship active ingredient, phycocyanin, is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (5-6). It could have potential benefits in long-term weight management, by acting on the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity (7).

How can spirulina be incorporated into a slimming programme?

Spirulina can be easily consumed in the form of food supplements. And for a stronger effect, it can be combined with other supplements that act on satiety, the microbiota or fat absorption.

Food and food supplements: which to choose?

Spirulina comes in the form of powder or flakes, which can be added to food (in smoothies or yoghurts, preparations, sauces, etc.).

But it's not always easy to determine the right amount to take full advantage of its properties.

Targeted supplementation remains the most effective solution for taking full advantage of spirulina's weight-loss benefits.

Warning: spirulina is a cyanobacterium, so its quality is highly dependent on its origin and the conditions in which it is grown. Make sure you choose spirulina from controlled aquaculture, free from contaminants.

Discover Spirulina, a natural spirulina extract of superior quality, guaranteeing the absence of pollutants such as heavy metals, bromine, radioactive compounds and other contaminants.

3 other useful supplements in a weight-loss programme

Spirulina can be incorporated into an overall weight-loss strategy, in synergy with other natural active ingredients.

Akkermansia muciniphila, a supporter of the microbiota

Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterium naturally present in the intestinal flora.

Associated with improved regulation of energy metabolism and preservation of the intestinal barrier, it is being studied for its potential benefits in controlling weight and body fat (8-9).

Discover Akkermansia Muciniphila, an ideal probiotic to accompany your slimming regime.

Natural extracts to burn fat

When combined, certain spices and natural substances can effectively support weight loss.

Combining extracts of turmeric, moringa and Murraya koenigii, the patented Slendacor® complex, for example, shows positive effects on weight loss (10).

Discover Lipo Stop, a Slendacor® dietary supplement to reduce waist circumference by burning fat.

GLP-1 to support satiety

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an intestinal hormone involved in satiety and blood sugar regulation (11).

Several plant extracts can naturally stimulate its secretion (12).

Discover GLP-1 Booster Formula, a natural supplement of plant extracts and chromium designed to stimulate GLP-1 production, reduce blood sugar levels, prevent cravings and lose weight.